Seyyed Salman Alavi

Bio: Seyyed Salman Alavi is an academic researcher from Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The author has contributed to research in topics: Anxiety & Population. The author has an hindex of 13, co-authored 46 publications receiving 762 citations. Previous affiliations of Seyyed Salman Alavi include University of Tehran & Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.

Behavioral Addiction versus Substance Addiction: Correspondence of Psychiatric and Psychological Views

Abstract: Introduction: Behavioral science experts believe that all entities capable of stimulating a person can be addictive; and whenever a habit changes into an obligation, it can be considered as an addiction. Researchers also believe that there are a number of similarities as well as some differences between drug addiction and behavioral addiction diagnostic symptoms. The purpose of this study is to consider different approaches in this field. Methods: This is a descriptive research using content analysis method. First, differences and similarities of various perspectives on addiction and addiction behavior in different substances were obtained, thereafter, the data was coded and categorized, subjects were discussed and major issues were extracted. Results: Behavioral addiction such as internet addiction is similar to drug addiction except that in the former, the individual is not addicted to a substance but the behavior or the feeling brought about by the relevant action. In addition, the physical signs of drug addiction, are absent in behavioral addiction. Others have stated that behaviorally addicted individuals have certain symptoms and will undergo the same consequences brought about by addiction to alcohol and drugs as well as other obsessive behaviors. Conclusion: Similar to substance abuse prevention, programs aimed at addicted individuals and specialized training can educate adolescents about the warning signs of online addiction, in order to assist the early detection of this disorder. For prevention of behavioral addiction (such as internet addiction) authorities, cultural institutions and parents should monitor the use of internet and teach to the adolescent and children, the useful and appropriate methods of internet use. Keywords: Addiction, addictive behavior, prevention

The effect of psychiatric symptoms on the internet addiction disorder in Isfahan's University students.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Internet addiction disorder is an interdisciplinary phenomenon and it has been studied from different viewpoints in terms of v arious sciences such as medicine, computer, sociology, law, ethics, and psychology. The aim of this study was to determine the association of psychiatric symptoms with Internet addiction while controlling for the effects of age, gender, marital status, and educational levels. It is hypothesized, that high levels of Internet addiction are associated with psychiatric symptoms and are specially correlated with obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, a total number of 250 students from Isfahan’s universities were randomly selected. Subjects complet ed the demographic questionnaire, the Young Diagnostic Questionnaire (YDQ) and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revision (SCL-90-R). Data was analyzed using the multiple logistic regression method. RESULTS: There was an association between psychiatric symptoms such as somatization, sensitivity, depression, anxiety, aggression, phobias , and psychosis with exception of paranoia; and diagnosis of Internet addiction controlling for age, sex, education level, marital status, and type of universities. CONCLUSIONS: A great percentage of youths in the population suffer from the adverse effects of Internet addiction. It is necessary for psychiatri sts and psychologists to be aware of the mental problems caused by Internet addiction.

Psychometric properties of Young internet addiction test

Abstract: Introduction: There is growing concern about internet addiction and accessing a valid and reliable assessment tool based on DSM diagnostic criteria which can differentiate normal internet users and internet addicts, is very limited. Young internet addiction questionnaire is one of valid available questionnaires. This study was designed to investigate psychometric properties of the mentioned questionnaire. Method: This descriptive cross-sectional survey research was performed on 233 Isfahan university students in 2008. Research units were selected by quota sampling from universities of Isfahan and completed demographic questionnaire, Young Internet Addiction Test and YDQ. A clinical interview based on DSM-IV-TR was performed on all samples. Data were analyzed using factor analysis, internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha, bisection, test-retest and ROC curve by SPSS 12. Results: Factor analysis by principal component and Varimax rotation revealed five factors of social problems, effect on performance, lack of control, pathological use of chat rooms and neglecting educational and occupational duties. Content and convergent validity, Internal consistency (α=0.88), test-retest reliability (r=0.82) and bisection (r=0.72) were determined and all were acceptable, regarding results. Best cut off point for the questionnaire was 46. Conclusion: Young's Internet Addiction Test has acceptable psychometric properties and is a valid and reliable tool that may be used in psychological and psychiatric studies in order to screen normal internet users and internet addicts.

Personality, Driving Behavior and Mental Disorders Factors as Predictors of Road Traffic Accidents Based on Logistic Regression

Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of variables such as personality traits, driving behavior and mental illness on road traffic accidents among the drivers with accidents and those without road crash.Methods: In this cohort study, 800 bus and truck drivers were recruited. Participants were selected among drivers who referred to Imam Sajjad Hospital (Tehran, Iran) during 2013-2015. The Manchester driving behavior questionnaire (MDBQ), big five personality test (NEO personality inventory) and semi-structured interview (SADS) were used. After two years, we surveyed all accidents due to human factors that involved the recruited drivers. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software by performing the descriptive statistics, t-test, and multiple logistic regression analysis methods. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: In terms of controlling the effective and demographic variables, the findings revealed significant differences between the two groups of drivers that were and were not involved in road accidents. In addition, it was found that depression and anxiety could increase the odds ratio (OR) of road accidents by 2.4- and 2.7-folds, respectively (P=0.04, P=0.004). It is noteworthy to mention that neuroticism alone can increase the odds of road accidents by 1.1-fold (P=0.009), but other personality factors did not have a significant effect on the equation.Conclusion: The results revealed that some mental disorders affect the incidence of road collisions. Considering the importance and sensitivity of driving behavior, it is necessary to evaluate multiple psychological factors influencing drivers before and after receiving or renewing their driver’s license.

Prevalence and Correlates of Psychiatric Disorders in a National Survey of Iranian Children and Adolescents.

Abstract: Objective: Considering the impact of rapid sociocultural, political, and economical changes on societies and families, population-based surveys of mental disorders in different communities are needed to describe the magnitude of mental health problems and their disabling effects at the individual, familial, and societal levels. Method: A population-based cross sectional survey (IRCAP project) of 30 532 children and adolescents between 6 and 18 years was conducted in all provinces of Iran using a multistage cluster sampling method. Data were collected by 250 clinical psychologists trained to use the validated Persian version of the semi-structured diagnostic interview Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-PL (K-SADS-PL). Results: In this national epidemiological survey, 6209 out of 30 532 (22.31) were diagnosed with at least one psychiatric disorder. The anxiety disorders (14.13) and behavioral disorders (8.3) had the highest prevalence, while eating disorders (0.13) and psychotic symptoms (0.26) had the lowest. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was significantly lower in girls (OR = 0.85; 95 CI: 0.80-0.90), in those living in the rural area (OR = 0.80; 95 CI: 0.73-0.87), in those aged 15-18 years (OR = 0.92; 95 CI: 0.86-0.99), as well as that was significantly higher in those who had a parent suffering from mental disorders (OR = 1.96; 95 CI: 1.63-2.36 for mother and OR = 1.33; 95 CI: 1.07-1.66 for father) or physical illness (OR = 1.26; 95 CI: 1.17-1.35 for mother and OR = 1.19; 95 CI: 1.10-1.28 for father). Conclusion: About one fifth of Iranian children and adolescents suffer from at least one psychiatric disorder. Therefore, we should give a greater priority to promoting mental health and public health, provide more accessible services and trainings, and reduce barriers to accessing existing services. © 2019 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.

Child and adolescent mental health worldwide: evidence for action

Abstract: This article suggests that while mental health problems affect 10—20% of children and adolescents worldwide, the mental health needs of children and adolescents are neglected, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. The authors review the evidence and the gaps in the published work in terms of prevalence, risk and protective factors, and interventions to prevent and treat childhood and adolescent mental health problems.

The invisible addiction: cell-phone activities and addiction among male and female college students.

Abstract: Background and aims: The primary objective of the present study was to investigate which cell-phone activities are associated with cell-phone addiction. No research to date has studied the full-range of cell-phone activities, and their relationship to cell-phone addiction, across male and female cell-phone users. Methods: College undergraduates (N = 164) participated in an online survey. Participants completed the questionnaire as part of their class requirements. The questionnaire took 10 and 15 minutes to complete and contained a measure of cell-phone addiction and questions that asked how much time participants spent daily on 24 cell-phone activities. Results: Findings revealed cell-phone activities that are associated significantly with cell-phone addiction (e.g., Instagram, Pinterest), as well as activities that one might logically assume would be associated with this form of addiction but are not (e.g., Internet use and Gaming). Cell-phone activities that drive cell-phone addiction (CPA) were found to vary considerably across male and female cell-phone users. Although a strong social component drove CPA for both males and females, the specific activities associated with CPA differed markedly. Conclusions: CPA amongst the total sample is largely driven by a desire to connect socially. The activities found to be associated with CPA, however, differed across the sexes. As the functionality of cell-phones continues to expand, addiction to this seemingly indispensable piece of technology becomes an increasingly realistic possibility. Future research must identify the activities that push cell-phone use beyond its “;tipping point” where it crosses the line from a helpful tool to one that undermines our personal well-being and that of others.

The association between internet addiction and psychiatric co-morbidity: a meta-analysis

Abstract: This study evaluates the association between Internal Addiction (IA) and psychiatric co-morbidity in the literature. Meta-analyses were conducted on cross-sectional, case–control and cohort studies which examined the relationship between IA and psychiatric co-morbidity. Selected studies were extracted from major online databases. The inclusion criteria are as follows: 1) studies conducted on human subjects; 2) IA and psychiatric co-morbidity were assessed by standardised questionnaires; and 3) availability of adequate information to calculate the effect size. Random-effects models were used to calculate the aggregate prevalence and the pooled odds ratios (OR). Eight studies comprising 1641 patients suffering from IA and 11210 controls were included. Our analyses demonstrated a significant and positive association between IA and alcohol abuse (OR = 3.05, 95% CI = 2.14-4.37, z = 6.12, P < 0.001), attention deficit and hyperactivity (OR = 2.85, 95% CI = 2.15-3.77, z = 7.27, P < 0.001), depression (OR = 2.77, 95% CI = 2.04-3.75, z = 6.55, P < 0.001) and anxiety (OR = 2.70, 95% CI = 1.46-4.97, z = 3.18, P = 0.001). IA is significantly associated with alcohol abuse, attention deficit and hyperactivity, depression and anxiety.